Akron assistant dies in crash

University of Akron assistant head football coach Alan Arrington died Monday following an automobile accident in Mississippi.

Repository staff report

University of Akron assistant head football coach Alan Arrington died Monday following an automobile accident in Mississippi.

Nicknamed "Tank," Arrington, 44, was in his second season on head coach Terry Bowden's staff. In addition to his assistant head coaching duties, the Oxford, Miss., native also worked with the offensive line.

"I can't put into words how tragic this is," Bowden said. "We have lost someone who was truly special and had dedicated his life to guiding young men.

“Tank was a very good friend and a great person. My thoughts are with his family and those who had the chance to know him and play for him. In all my years of coaching I have never known someone who loved and cared for his players more than Tank. I have lost a best friend and I'm heartbroken."

Arrington is survived by his wife, the former Gail Perkins. Funeral arrangements are pending.